NBA's Best: Westbrook named league's Most Valuable Player

by Austin Prickett

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook celebrates after hitting a buzzer beating three-point shot to win the game against the Denver Nuggets following a basketball game Sunday, April 9, 2017, in Denver. Oklahoma City beat Denver 106-105. Westbrook also broke the NBA record for triple doubles with 42. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

NEW YORK CITY (KOKH) —

Thunder superstar Russell Westbrook received the final piece to what was already a season for the ages: the 2016-2017 NBA MVP award.

"First and foremost, thank you to the man above," Westbrook said. "I wouldn't be standing here today, so thank him. I'm very very blessed to be in the position I am today."

The 28-year-old point guard was announced as the league's MVP during the inaugural NBA Awards show, Monday night in New York City.

While thanking the organization, Westbrook invited his teammates in attendance onto the stage with him.

"These guys are my brothers man," he said. "These guys sacrifice so much for me throughout the year. It was obviously an amazing season for me, but without these guys, none of this would be possible."

"You've blessed me with a beautiful son that I'm so thankful for. You continue to make me go. Every time I see your face, regardless of a good or bad game, every time I see your face, your smile, it does nothing but brighten me up. I just want to say I love you for everything you've done for me thus far."

Westbrook is the second Oklahoma City player to win the award, after Kevin Durant accomplished the feat in 2014. Only twice in history has a franchise had multiple MVPs in a 4-season span.

Russell was one of three finalists for the NBA MVP, beating out Houston's James Harden and San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard. He finished with 69 first place, 19 second place and 13 third place votes.

The Thunder point guard also won two additional awards; the fan vote for "Best Style" as well as the NBA award for "Game winner of the Year."